Flood

Q: How do I stay safe in rising flood waters?

Flooding is the deadliest natural disaster. Key rules: Move to higher ground immediately — don't wait for official orders if water is rising Never walk through flowing water — 6 inches can knock you down Never drive through flooded roads — 2 feet of water can float your car If trapped in a building, go to the highest floor (not the attic unless you can access the roof) If trapped in a car, get out and climb on top if water is rising around you "Turn Around, Don't Drown" isn't a suggestion — it's a survival rule.

Q: What should I do after the water recedes?

After floodwater recedes, hidden dangers remain: Don't enter your home until authorities say it's safe Wear rubber boots, gloves, and an N95 mask — floodwater contains sewage, chemicals, and bacteria Photograph all damage before cleaning (for insurance) Discard food that contacted floodwater, including canned goods with damaged seals Start drying immediately — mold grows within 24-48 hours Don't turn on electricity until an electrician inspects the system Your mental health matters too. Flood recovery is exhausting. Ask for help and take breaks.

Q: How do I purify water in an emergency?

If your water supply is compromised: Boiling: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 ft elevation). This is the most reliable method. Bleach: Add 8 drops of regular unscented bleach per gallon, stir, wait 30 minutes. Water should smell slightly of chlorine. Water purification tablets: Follow package directions Never drink floodwater directly — it contains sewage, chemicals, and debris. If you have a water heater, the tank holds 30-80 gallons of drinkable water (turn off the gas/power first).

Q: Is it safe to drive through standing water?

No. This is one of the most common causes of flood deaths. 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down 12 inches can carry away a small car 2 feet of water will float most vehicles, including SUVs You cannot tell the depth of standing water — the road may be washed out underneath "Turn Around, Don't Drown." If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route. If your car stalls in rising water, abandon it and move to higher ground.

Q: How do I protect my home from flooding?

Flood preparation starts well before any storm: Check your FEMA flood zone at fema.gov/flood-maps Get flood insurance — standard homeowner's policies do NOT cover floods. There's a 30-day waiting period. Elevate electrical panels, appliances, and water heaters above potential flood levels Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backup Clear gutters and drains regularly Keep sandbags ready if you're in a flood-prone area Store important documents and valuables on upper floors, not in the basement.

Rising water is predictable -- your preparation makes all the difference

8 things to do before · 8 steps during · 9 after · 5 questions answered

Last updated 2026-09-25. Written by Project Trinetra, a program of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Unravel The Love. It is not an official government publication and does not replace instructions from your local emergency authorities.

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Before — Know Your Flood Risk

Flooding is the most common natural disaster. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down.

#	Do this
1	Check if you live in a flood zone (FEMA maps)
2	Consider flood insurance (not covered by homeowner policies)
3	Clear storm drains and gutters near your home
4	Move important items and documents to upper floors
5	Install or test sump pump with battery backup
6	Know where to get sandbags in your area
7	Know multiple evacuation routes to higher ground
8	Learn how to disconnect electrical appliances safely

During — When Flooding Occurs

Never underestimate floodwater. Turn around, don't drown.

#	Step
1	Move to higher ground immediately if water is rising
2	NEVER walk, swim, or drive through floodwater
3	6 inches of water can knock you down; 12 inches can sweep away a car
4	If trapped in a building, go to the highest floor -- do NOT go to the attic unless you have roof access
5	If trapped in a car, get out immediately and move to higher ground
6	Stay away from power lines and electrical wiring
7	Avoid contact with floodwater -- it may be contaminated
8	Listen to emergency radio for evacuation instructions

After — After Floodwaters Recede

Flood recovery requires patience and caution. The water leaves hidden dangers behind.

#	Step
1	Do not return home until authorities say it is safe
2	Photograph all damage before cleaning for insurance
3	Do not touch electrical equipment if wet or standing in water
4	Discard food that came into contact with floodwater
5	Clean and disinfect everything that got wet -- mold grows within 24-48 hours
6	Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry the space
7	Pump out flooded basements gradually (1/3 per day) to avoid structural damage
8	Watch for snakes and animals displaced by flooding
9	Check drinking water safety before using

Supplies specific to this hazard

Sandbags or flood barriers
Rubber boots and waterproof gloves
Water purification tablets
Wet/dry shop vacuum
Plastic storage bins for valuables

Questions people ask

How do I stay safe in rising flood waters?

Flooding is the deadliest natural disaster. Key rules:

Move to higher ground immediately — don't wait for official orders if water is rising
Never walk through flowing water — 6 inches can knock you down
Never drive through flooded roads — 2 feet of water can float your car
If trapped in a building, go to the highest floor (not the attic unless you can access the roof)
If trapped in a car, get out and climb on top if water is rising around you

"Turn Around, Don't Drown" isn't a suggestion — it's a survival rule.

Full Flood guide — before, during and after →

What should I do after the water recedes?

After floodwater recedes, hidden dangers remain:

Don't enter your home until authorities say it's safe
Wear rubber boots, gloves, and an N95 mask — floodwater contains sewage, chemicals, and bacteria
Photograph all damage before cleaning (for insurance)
Discard food that contacted floodwater, including canned goods with damaged seals
Start drying immediately — mold grows within 24-48 hours
Don't turn on electricity until an electrician inspects the system

Your mental health matters too. Flood recovery is exhausting. Ask for help and take breaks.

Full Flood guide — before, during and after →

How do I purify water in an emergency?

If your water supply is compromised:

Boiling: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 ft elevation). This is the most reliable method.
Bleach: Add 8 drops of regular unscented bleach per gallon, stir, wait 30 minutes. Water should smell slightly of chlorine.
Water purification tablets: Follow package directions

Never drink floodwater directly — it contains sewage, chemicals, and debris. If you have a water heater, the tank holds 30-80 gallons of drinkable water (turn off the gas/power first).

Full Flood guide — before, during and after →

Is it safe to drive through standing water?

No. This is one of the most common causes of flood deaths.

6 inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down
12 inches can carry away a small car
2 feet of water will float most vehicles, including SUVs
You cannot tell the depth of standing water — the road may be washed out underneath

"Turn Around, Don't Drown." If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route. If your car stalls in rising water, abandon it and move to higher ground.

Full Flood guide — before, during and after →

How do I protect my home from flooding?

Flood preparation starts well before any storm:

Check your FEMA flood zone at fema.gov/flood-maps
Get flood insurance — standard homeowner's policies do NOT cover floods. There's a 30-day waiting period.
Elevate electrical panels, appliances, and water heaters above potential flood levels
Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backup
Clear gutters and drains regularly
Keep sandbags ready if you're in a flood-prone area

Store important documents and valuables on upper floors, not in the basement.

Full Flood guide — before, during and after →

Quick facts

Never drive through flooded roads — 2 feet of water can float most vehicles.
Six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down. Turn around, don't drown.
After a flood, mold grows within 24-48 hours. Start drying immediately.
Your water heater tank holds 30-80 gallons of drinkable water in an emergency.
Boil water for at least 1 minute to purify it (3 minutes above 6,500 ft elevation).

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